In a large, thick-bottom pot, sauté the bacon
Add the onions, shallots, fennel, celery and first potatoes, cook until a fond forms
Add the clam juice, clams & bay leaves, cook 15 minutes
Add the second potatoes, bitters, tabasco & pepper, cook 15 minutes
Add the cream and heat through
Melt the butter and add flour to make roux, cool slightly
Add roux to the pot, mix well, simmer 20 minutes
